Bonefish Grill in Emory Point Hosts Free Charity Event on December 8 to Celebrate Grand Opening

The Emory area becomes an "eat coastal" destination with the opening of Bonefish Grill in the new Emory Point development on Monday, December 10. Succulent wood-grilled fish, seafood and chops, innovative sauces and indulgent desserts fill the menu of this ZAGAT award-winning restaurant. Polished yet casual, Bonefish Grill is a beacon for those in the mood for the popular ahi tuna sashimi, PEI Mussels Josephine, "American-style" Kobe beef burgers or market-fresh daily seafood specials. Liquids are equally inviting, encompassing inventive "bar-fresh" cocktails, unique craft beers and interesting wines. Every Wednesday is Bang Wednesday, when signature crisp-tender Bang Bang Shrimp comes with a spicy sauce for just $5. The community-oriented restaurant reaches out to help both its nearby and global communities. On the evening of Saturday, December 8 from 5:30-8 p.m., Bonefish Grill will host a tasting event to benefit Friends of Music at Emory. Entry is free, but seating is limited. Tickets can be acquired online and donations are welcomed. An open kitchen, large bar, hand-blown glass lamps and big, three-dimensional art all add to the welcoming ambience of the Florida-based restaurant. Dinner service begins at 3 p.m. daily; Sunday brunch is offered from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Reservations welcome, 404-235-4024.

There’s Something Fishy Going on in Columbus

Calling all seafood fans!  Columbus, Ga. has a hot new spot for you to get your fish on!  Bonefish Grill is now open at 6763 Veterans Parkway in Columbus.  The polished, casual seafood restaurant is known for its generous portions, unique dishes, and its inventive use of fresh ingredients all cooked over a wood-burning grill.  Some of the more popular menu items include Mussels Josephine, Cajun chicken egg rolls, scampi-topped sirloin steak, ahi tuna with warm mango salsa and pecan/Parmesan-crusted rainbow trout, and the always delicious (and fun to order!) Bang Bang shrimp.  In addition, cocktails and an interesting wine list help complete the overall dining experience.  Dinner will be served nightly.  Reservations, although not required, are available by calling 706-321-2015.  Follow Bonefish Grill on Facebook or Twitter.

Bonefish Grill Columbus: 6783-2 Veterans Parkway; 706-321-2015.

Restaurants and Stores Stay Open On Memorial Day So You Can Honor More, Cook and Clean Less

Memorial Day marches in each year on the last Monday in May, giving us a chance to pause and honor our servicemen and women, hang out our flags, and unofficially dive into summer with a bevy of outdoor activities. Take in one of Atlanta’s many Memorial Day activities -- reflect on the hundreds of mini-flags posted on soldiers’ graves at the Marietta Cemetery, cheer at Stone Mountain’s Salute to the Troops laser show or chill out to the sounds of the Atlanta Jazz Festival in Woodruff Park. Keep things simple on the food front by choosing to dine out or pick up something deliciously portable at these fun restaurants and stores strategically located around town and definitely open on Memorial Day.

Bonefish Grill –Johns Creek: 11705 C. Jones Bridge Road; 770-475-6668.Buford: 3420 Buford Drive; 678-546-8240.Gwinnett, The Avenue Webb Gin: 1350 Scenic Highway 124; 678-344-8945.

Chipotle -- 12 Atlanta-area locations.

Ecco -- 40 7th Street; 404-347-9555.

Fogo de Chão -- 3101 Piedmont Road; 404-266-9988.

La Tavola Trattoria -- 992 Virginia Avenue, NE in Virginia-Highland; 404-873-5430.

Marlow’s Tavern – Kennesaw: 745 Chastain Road, NW; 770-425-8777. Alpharetta: 3719 Old Alabama Road; 770- 475-1800. Vinings: 2355 Cumberland Parkway; 770-432-2526. Midtown: 950 West Peachtree Street; 404-815-0323.

Whole Foods Market – Buckhead: 77 West Paces Ferry Road, NW; 404-324-4100.Briarcliff: 2111 Briarcliff Road; 404-634-7800.Duluth-Johns Creek: 5945 State Bridge Road; 678-514-2400.Sandy Springs: 5930 Roswell Road; 404-236-0810.Ponce: 650 Ponce de Leon Avenue, NE; 404-853-1681.Harry’s Farmers Market in Alpharetta: 1180 Upper Hembree Road; 770-664-6300.Harry’s Farmers Market in Marietta: 70 Powers Ferry Road, SE; 770-578-4400.

The Bravery at Bonefish Grill

Sometimes my job is so cool... Yesterday, Ovation, an arts and entertainment focused cable TV station, visited Bonefish Grill in Buford to film an episode of Notes From the Road, and I got to attend the taping! They have been filming interviews and concerts at Bonefish Grill Restaurants all over the country - first in Alexandria, VA with Josh Kelley, and, next up, is Panic at the Disco in Grand Rapids, MI.

In Buford, Notes From the Road featured The Bravery and it was incredible! The interview with the band took place at the bar of the restaurant and then an intimate 20 person concert took place in the dining room, which, by the way, had been transformed into a stage that looked like it belonged on MTV. Smoke machines and flashing lights included...

Work began at 4 a.m. yesterday for the Bonefish Grill crew moving tables, blacking out windows and setting up lights. The interview was filmed right after lunch and the concert started around 3 p.m. and lasted until about 4:30. Some insider secrets?

1. The band played six songs and repeated the exact same six songs again so the camera crew could film different angles. They'll be edited together before the show airs.

2. The behind the scenes people at least tripled (if not more) the band and concert-goers.

3. Sound guys have really hard jobs. no joke.

4. The band munched on Bonefish Grill's stellar Bang Bang shrimp, salmon with warm mango salsa, chicken eggrolls and chicken portabella pasta. And, THEN got up and performed a rockin' concert.

Be sure to keep an eye on Ovation TV to find out when the concert airs. Don't get those crazy cable stations yet? Don't dispair, you too can visit a Bonefish Grill and enjoy the same delicious meal as the boys from The Bravery did!! (I know, I know, shameless plug...)

“Let’s Eat Out” is Second Only To “I Love You” on Mother’s Day, May 11

The first meal I remember making for my mom was Mother's Day breakfast in bed when I was four years old. My older brother and I thought it would be great to make her a "balanced breakfast" like they showed on the cereal commercials. First, we made her a bowl of cereal, then, we made her two slices of toast and finally, poured her a glass of orange juice. To make the tray look pretty, I ran to the garden and picked her a flower.

Needless to say that by the time we got the breakfast to her, the cereal was soggy, the toast was cold (and messy) and I got thirsty so a drank a sip of her juice. She said she loved it!

Fortunately, I am wise enough now to know that there are better options for mom's special day. This Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11, I can't wait to say those three magic words – “Let’s eat out!”

Chefs at these restaurants have been preparing for Mother’s Day with buffets and menus that will have her saying “I love you!”

Two hot spots are already sold out so make a note to check these out early next year: Canoe's riverside brunch and Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery's mountain setting brunch.

Aqua Blue heaps mom’s favorites on the brunch buffet. From 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., grab a plate and fill it with items such as strip steak and carved turkey, chicken rotini primavera in cream sauce, eggs Benedict and breakfast pastries. $29.95/adults, $9.95/children ages four to 12 and free for children under four. Regular dinner menu takes over from 5 to 9 p.m. 1564 Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell; 770-643-8886.

Bonefish Grill brings out the grilled fish and delectable sauces that grace the regular menu from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Buford: 3420 Buford Drive; 678-546-8240. Johns Creek: 11705 C Jones Bridge Road; 770-475-6668. Macon: 5080 Riverside Drive, Building 500, Suite 506; 478-477-5256. Snellville: 1350 Scenic Highway 124 in The Avenue Webb Gin; 678-344-8945.

Ecco whisks Mom to a European bistro brunch with a special menu from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Open for dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. 40 7th Street at Cypress in Midtown; 404-347-9555.

Fogo de Chão salutes moms with savory slow-roasted meats from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Mother’s Day; $38.50 per person. The Brazilian churrascaria will be serving dinner that night from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.; $46.50 per person. 3101 Piedmont Road; 404-266-9988.

Food Studio® paints a masterpiece of food and art to celebrate Mom’s day. Special brunch buffet from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; $39.95 per person. Children’s menu for $10 per child (12 and under). Open for dinner from 5:30 to 9 p.m. 887 West Marietta Street in the King Plow Arts Center; 404-815-6677.

The GLOBE provides the ideal spot for Yellow Jacket and Midtown moms to celebrate the day from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Regular brunch menu. 75 Fifth Street, NW in Technology Square; 404-541-1487.

La Tavola Trattoria jets Mom to Italy in nearby Virginia-Highlands. Order from the brunch menu from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or the regular dinner menu from 5:30 to 10 p.m. 992 Virginia Avenue, NE; 404-873-5430.

Marlow’s Tavern (Alpharetta, Kennesaw, Midtown and Vinings) pours it on for the American casual mom with the regular brunch menu from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the regular dinner menu from 3 p.m. to 12 a.m. Alpharetta: 3719 Old Alabama Road, 770-475-1800. Kennesaw: 745 Chastain Road, NW, 770-425-8777. Midtown: 950 West Peachtree Street, 404-815-0323. Vinings: 2355 Cumberland Parkway, 770-432-2526.

Morton’s The Steakhouse in Buckhead and Downtown serves a mom-worthy prix fixe menu on Mother’s Day for $59 per person. Choose a salad; one entrée from a selection of filets, fish and chicken dishes; one side dish; and a dessert. Open from 3 to 9 p.m. in Buckhead in the Peachtree Lenox Building at 3379 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-816-6535. Open from 4 to 9 p.m. Downtown in the SunTrust Plaza Building at 303 Peachtree Center Avenue; 404-577-4366.

South City Kitchen® whips up contemporary Southern dishes that give mom the day off from cooking but not from good eating. Enjoy brunch at the Midtown location from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or the regular dinner menu from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. 1144 Crescent Avenue; 404-873-7358. Brunch will be served at the Vinings location from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; order from the regular dinner menu from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. 1675 Cumberland Parkway; 770-435-0700.

Trilogy is East Cobb-close for an all-you-can-eat buffet brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Mother’s Day. $23.95/adults; $8.95/children. Seating is limited and reservations are required. The restaurant will not be open for dinner. 4930 Davidson Road; 770-971-4770.

VITA will serve the regular dinner menu from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and will have flowers for moms. Mama mia, now that’s Italian! 2110 Peachtree Road; 404-367-8482.

Woodfire Grill serves mom local ingredients prepared with Northern Californian style from the regular menu. Open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Mother’s Day. 1782 Cheshire Bridge Road; 404-347-9055.

Spring Makes Dining Inside, Out

Sunshine and Sunsets Lure Patio Patrons Outdoors

Nutritionists say that after hunkering down inside all winter we could use a bit more Vitamin D – which can be accomplished by spending some time outdoors. We have the perfect solution! Without getting too scientific about RDAs, we suggest you satisfy your need for a little extra “D” for dining by sliding into a chair on the primo patios of these area restaurants.


Aqua Blue shows that yes, you can find, and relax on, a patio in the ‘burbs and enjoy out-of-the-ordinary drinks and food, too. 1564 Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell; 770-643-8886. Aqua Blue

Slide on those chic sunglasses for discreet people watching and pull up an artsy chair on Aria’s side-by-sidewalk patio. Same sexy feel, attentive service and rave-about dishes and desserts! 490 E. Paces Ferry Road in Buckhead; 404-233-7673.

See-worthy sunsets and fresh, wood-grilled seafood pair up on the patio at Bonefish Grill in Johns Creek. Alpharetta: 11705 C Jones Bridge Road; 770-475-6668.

To get a better Chattahoochee River view, you’d have to capsize your canoe. Better stay dry and dine on fresh American cuisine while relaxing on Canoe’s patio and garden dining areas. Thinking group thoughts? Go for a private, riverside chef’s table or the lawn area for outdoor events. 4199 Paces Ferry Road, NW; 770-432-2663.

Hip patios are a wrap at Chipotle, home of those fresh, made-to-order, gourmet burritos and tacos you always hear people raving about. With 11 Atlanta locations, they’re as close as your backyard. If an outdoor picnic or concert is in the plan, they’ll bag it to go!

Europeans love to enjoy their drinks and meals in sidewalk cafes. You can experience the same charm on the casual patio at European-inspired Ecco, the latest Fifth Group Restaurants® hotspot in Midtown. 40 7th Street at the corner of 7th and Cypress; 404-347-9555.

One of the closest dining patios to downtown can be found at The Food Studio®, situated in the historic King Plow Arts Center. The courtyard patio charms; the menu entices and delivers with seasonal specialties. 887 W. Marietta Street on the Westside; 404-815-6677.


Last week, we mentioned the primo-viewing of the ING Marathon from the GLOBE’s patio, and there’s plenty to watch Mondays through Saturdays throughout the year from this Technology Square perch. 75 Fifth Street, NW; 404-541-1487.

Friends, antipasti and a bottle of wine are meant to be cherished outside on a beautiful spring evening . . . keep a good thing going on La Tavola Trattoria’s covered balcony by staying on for conversation and contemporary Italian dishes. In neighborly Virginia-Highlands at 992 Virginia Avenue, NE; 404-873-5430.

Marlow’s Tavern provides proof that the days of Dickens’ dark taverns are long gone. Revel in the camaraderie of friendly faces, hearty food and refreshing libations out on the spacious patios at all Marlow’s Tavern locations. Alpharetta: 3719 Old Alabama Road; 770- 475-1800. Vinings: 2355 Cumberland Parkway; 770-432-2526. Kennesaw: 745 Chastain Road, NW; 770-425-8777.

South City Kitchen® has planned ahead to provide the same, much loved urban-South fare on two different patio environments. In Midtown, it’s a hustle and bustle sidewalk view, while Vinings invites neighbors to stroll on over and take a seat on the spacious, outdoor patio. Midtown: 1144 Crescent Avenue; 404-873-7358. Vinings: 1675 Cumberland Parkway; 770-435-0700.